6-K 1 b330881_6k.txt FORM 6-K UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Includes the free translation of a material event sent by Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. to the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros de Chile on March 17, 2004. SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A. --------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC. ----------------------------------------- (Translation of registrant's name into English) El Trovador 4285, Santiago, Chile (562) 425-2000 ------------------------------------------------ (Address and phone number of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F x Form 40-F ---------------- ---------------- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No x . ---------------- ---------------- If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82___________ SQM SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A. Santiago, March 17, 2004 Mr. Alejandro Ferreiro Y. Superintendent Securities and Insurance Superintendence Avda. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 1449 Santiago -------- Essential Issue --------------- Dear Mr. Superintendent. We hereby inform you that on March 16, 2004, the Board of Directors of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) unanimously agreed to recommend a definitive dividend payment of US$ 0.08811 gross per share in favor of those shareholders registered in the Company's Book of Shareholders during the fifth working day prior to the date of such payment. The recommendation, once approved at the next Annual Ordinary Shareholders Meeting that will be held on April 30, 2004, will allow SQM to pay and distribute, in accordance with what is established in the corresponding Dividend Policy, an annual dividend equivalent to 50% of the distributable liquid profits obtained during the 2003 business period. The pertinent amount will be paid in its equivalent in Chilean pesos, based on the "Observed Dollar" rate that should be published by the Official Gazette on April 30, 2004. The above, in favor of the corresponding shareholders, personally or through a duly authorized representative, beginning on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 09:00 hrs. We inform you the above as a material event in compliance with articles 9 and 10 of Law Number 18.045. Additionally, also in compliance with the indications set forth in Forms 660 and 1.062 issued on October 22, 1986 and March 6, 1992, respectively. We remain at your disposal to clarify any additional aspects that you may deem relevant in relation to the above. Yours truly, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. Conf: /s/ Patricio Contesse G. ------------------------- Patricio Contesse G. Chief Executive Officer Cc: Santiago Stock Exchange Brokers Stock Exchange Electronic Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange Securities and Exchange Commission The Bank of New York SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A. Conf: /s/ Ricardo Ramos R. ------------------------- Ricardo Ramos R. Chief Financial Officer Date: March 17, 2004